In his third workout at the Yankees minor league complex yesterday, Rodriguez increased the intensity of his running program, running after batting practice and fielding drills.

Until yesterday, Rodriguez only ran before working out. Following yesterday’s drills he ran for about 100 feet and ran backward and side to side.

During batting practice, Rodriguez hit three of 43 pitches out and one of those collided with the hitting backdrop in center field. He also hit off a batting tee and took soft tosses. He then fielded ground balls at third.

Rodriguez is expected to increase the intensity of his workouts today.

Rodriguez, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on July 11, hasn’t played since July 7. At the time of the injury, the Yankees believed they would be without Rodriguez for six to eight weeks. Recently, Cashman said he could return in the middle of this month.

As it was with Derek Jeter’s absence, the Yankees haven’t fallen apart without Rodriguez, who was hitting .295 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs when he went on the DL.

When Jeter was out with a calf problem the Yankees went 14-4. After yesterday’s 10-4 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park that ended a season-high eight-game winning streak, the Yankees were 18-8 without Rodriguez and with Eduardo Nunez and Eric Chavez filling in.

Nevertheless, Rodriguez is a big part of the lineup. And Joe Girardi has said when Rodriguez does return, he will hit cleanup.